Empowering Research: George I. Alden Trust Grants DeSales Vital Scientific Instrument
Thanks to the generosity of the George I. Alden Trust, one of the laboratories in the Hurd Science Center has received an essential upgrade–the addition of a new gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer.
Considered a vital instrument for modern laboratories, the GC-MS separates, quantifies, and identifies components of a sample by comparing results to a large library of compounds. According to Julie Himmelberger, Ph.D., associate professor of biochemistry, and pre-health professions advisor, learning to use such instrumentation is necessary to achieve our mission of providing a transformative education.
“The division of sciences and mathematics seeks to prepare students by providing them with access to modern instrumentation throughout all of their laboratory courses so that they have developed the critical analysis skills required to be successful in their future careers”
As a dual chemistry and biology major, Evan Ritter ’23 notes that the GC-MS has enhanced his education.
“I plan on pursuing graduate school for analytical chemistry,” said Ritter. “Analytical chemistry is very instrument based. Therefore, having access to the GC-MS gives me invaluable hands-on experience.”
Ritter is one of two students who have been studying songbirds in Alex Huynh, Ph.D., assistant professor’s research laboratory. He and Emily Ringholm ’24, a chemistry major, have been using the GC-MS to analyze oil samples from songbirds.
“Uropygial oils are thought to play crucial roles in a bird's life, ranging from mating cues to preventing feather degradation. Analyzation of these oils is done–of course–through the GC-MS,” said Ritter.
Through learning how to use the equipment, Ritter has developed other, more unexpected, skills that will help him throughout his career and life.
“I enjoy chemistry because it constantly tests and develops my problem-solving and computational skills. Every problem feels like its own puzzle with no single way to solve it,” said Ritter. “Since working with the GC-MS, I can say my problem-solving skills have improved greatly.”
DeSales was able to purchase the GC-MS because of a $91,000 grant from the George I. Alden Trust. This philanthropic organization seeks to support education by funding certain initiatives of smaller institutions and other groups. The Trust’s kindness has not gone unnoticed by the division of sciences and mathematics, nor by the students who benefit from the instrument.
“My research would not have been possible if it wasn't for their grant,” said Ritter. “The addition of the new GC-MS has allowed me to grow and develop as a student as well as bring me one step closer to my future goals.”
